Kurdish Rebels Killed In Apparent Retaliation

Turkish troops entered northern Iraq and reportedly killed at least 72 Kurdish rebels in retaliation for an attack on a military post in Turkey, military officials said Wednesday.

The Anatolia news agency, quoting unnamed military officials, said at least 72 rebels died in the offensive near Sinath, six miles inside Iraq, and three Kurdish rebel bases were demolished.

The joint chiefs of staff said in a statement that two soldiers were also killed after 5,000 troops backed by jets and helicopter gunships crossed into northern Iraq on Monday night.

The military statement said the rebels had attacked an army outpost near the southeastern Turkish town of Silopi. No casualties were reported.

The rebels launch hit-and-run attacks in Turkey from their bases inside Iraq. More than 21,000 people have died since Kurdish rebels began fighting for autonomy in Turkey’s southeast since 1984.